Chris Hill didn’t want much fuss, but the University of Utah Athletics sent him off in fitting style. His staff waved goodbye to the outgoing director as he left his last day Friday, June 1, 2018.  Hill got on a Ute-branded bus as a crowd of staff and student athletes cheered him on as he drove away from the Huntsman Center.

“Chris Hill leaves a tremendous legacy at the University of Utah. As one of the country’s longest serving athletics directors, Chris has embodied all the traits needed to build a successful program: a student advocate, a skilled negotiator, a solid administrator with a keen eye for talent, an excellent fundraiser and a passionate sports fan. His leadership and relentless drive to raise the caliber and quality of our athletic programs over his 31-year career helped earn the university an invitation to join the PAC-12 — a milestone that has proven to be transformational for our entire campus.

Chris leaves us a vibrant, thriving athletics department that benefits student athletes and our community. He has set the foundation for our continued success. On behalf of the entire university community, I thank him for his service and dedication to this institution and its students. I wish Chris the very best in retirement and look forward to seeing him in the stands rooting for his beloved teams.”

— University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins